This is not just about privacy and security. It is also about money. Apple sells more outside the US. They cannot afford to antagonize the rest of the world, not to mention lose ground to their competitors, by agreeing to "create" a backdoor. This guy has it right: http://bit.ly/1oKJwwT Congress is indeed AWOL.

@mak63, thanks for the info. The tough part of this case will that it will drag on in the courts. That means that most people will forget about it in the popular press point of view, and the importance of it will fade.

"...I wonder what will happen if they go looking for a terrorist and find information about fraud, or a robbery. What about a non-terrorist related bank robbery that Hasn't Happened - yet? "

Good point, there are so many areas of fraud that need attention, this could be a case of missplaced effort. Something tells me if they do find other areas of "dirt" they will conveniently overlook it using the rationale that National Security out wieghts the white colar crime that goes on daily.

I have made little doubt about my feelings towards Apple in the Cook era. But I must applaud his stance regarding protecting the privacy of everyone when it comes to government interaction.

Those who argue that this" backdoor" can be protected are simply wrong. Cook understands this and the Industry understands as well.

Did Government fail to understand the quandry implication of technology ? It looks like it, but to publically pressure Apple as it has shows that elements of the Government either do not undersand or appreciate the implications of their actions. Not sure how this became a point of public debate but I think it is safe to say this could have been handled better.

And Yes, We all understand that fighting terrorism is a serious task, but so is personal privacy. We can do both.

@Broadway0474 Yes, to the 1st question. Cases still can go to the SC. But, they can not issue any rulings if they are split 4-4. In that instance, the case goes back to the Court of Appeals and held what they've decided in the first place.Also yes, to the 2nd question. This is a quote from LA Times:"The case, which will be heard in the magistrate's courtroom next month, will then go before a federal district judge. Apple has until Feb. 26 to file its initial arguments in the case.If appealed, the case will be heard by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and possibly the U.S. Supreme Court."So, I guess we need to wait till the 26th, to see how the case will proceed.

Can the Supreme Court act on this issue or any issue while politicians are deciding who controls the Supreme Court? But seriously, I am no lawyer, but this is a court order, not a court decision. Can you appeal a court order?

A+ for Apple doing what the government should be doing (standing by rights and upholding the Constitution). Every LE officer in this nation swore an oath to do this. Very disturbing that the private industry has more obligation to defend rights than government. The outcome may be a pivotal moment for many things.

Amen @mak63. Part of me wants to see what happens to his hair if he was President though. You noticed how it doesn't take any Prez long to go grey? God knows what would happen to Bernie. :-)

And Prez is always taking shots from somewhere, comes with territory regardless if Repub or Dem. Trump would cry, or more likely try and pass laws to create state controlled media. The only show on all cable stations would be reruns of The Apprentice. :-)

Donald Trump, speaking on "Fox & Friends" on Feb. 17:"To think that Apple won't allow us to get into her cellphone?" said Trump. "Who do they think they are?"We are doomed if this guys is the next president.. Why is he saying "allow us", anyway?I'm just glad that Apple is standing up against the court order. I think there's a chance that this case will go all the way to the Supreme Court.

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